The HNC is aimed at those working in or seeking to work in a variety of counselling settings. It may also be attractive to workers in the wider care, advice or guidance settings where counselling skills are becoming increasingly important. It is intended to provide training contextualised to the counselling environment within the public, voluntary and independent/private sectors. The qualification incorporates the knowledge, understanding and skills required for progression into employment or further study. It assigns a central role to the value base essential to professional practice. It recognises and responds to change in the provision of Counselling and provides a flexible framework to meet the changing needs of employment in the sector.